Keep up to date on the latest news and stay in the intergalactic loop. Check for these topics and more in our discussion forum. And if you have found something HOT in the news that needs discussing, email the story to alienlounge@kidthrive.org and we'll get right on it.
What is our fascination with Reality Television? Especially with, 'The Jersey Shore'?
'Jersey Shore' premiere highest rated for MTV
The third season premiere of the MTV reality show "Jersey Shore" garnered more than 8 million viewers.The episode was the most watched series telecast in the cable network's history, MTV announced Friday. According to the network, 8.45 million total viewers tuned in to the show.
Teen's top New Year's Resolution include #1. Getting Healthier and, #2. Get Happier, and #3. Be a Better Person? What do you think this says about today's teens?
Are the teens of 2011 more enlightened?
While most people make resolutions to find love, lose weight, or get organized, the teens of 2011 are making resolutions like, "Being a better Friend", "A Better Role Model", and "Giving Back to their Community". more insightful resolutions
Are we giving Reality TV personalities too much star power? What is the allure of these "every day people"? and are they really displaying "reality" or forced drama and outlandish situations concocted for our entertainment?
Snooki will have a ball this New Year's Eve on MTV
The Jersey Shore star (real name: Nicole Polizzi) will be placed inside a ball that will drop in New York City's Time Square as the click ticks down to midnight. The other cast members of the hit reality show, Jersey Shore, will lead the crowd in fist pumping to attempt to break a Guinness world record.
Is there just too much "SEX" in our daily lives? If it is not in our favorite shows, it is in ads, in our song lyrics... what do you think of this sexually charged culture?
Beyoncé turns up the Heat a little too much as racy perfume ad is banned from daytime TV
A perfume commercial featuring Beyoncé has been banned from daytime TV amid concerns over its sexual imagery. The commercial, which begins with an image of the singer lying naked in a room, has been deemed ‘too sexually provocative’ to be seen by young children and will not be shown on TV before 7.30pm. In fact, the idea of "selling sex" is on the rise.
Join the discussion Do you think the Jonas Brothers' unsuccessful relationships are the reason why fans are just over them already?
Are the Jonas Brothers on the Outs?
Over the past year and a half the Jonas Brothers have slowly been slipping into obscurity. On Monday night it was another round of bad news for Kevin, Joe and Nick when Disney Channel confirmed they have canceled Jonas L.A. How did these three guys from New Jersey lose the interest of their worldwide fanbase? Was it the music? A little, in reality the guys haven’t had any radio success since Burnin’ Up hit the airwaves in 2008 and solidified them as a household name. In addition to that, Disney Channel and Radio Disney has overexposed them. But that still isn’t the real reason fans soured: It is the fact that their romances that have gone sour one after another… including Amanda Michalka, Demi Lovato, Malese Jow, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, and Zoe Myers to name a few.
Share your opinion With Halloween just around the corner, what are your plans? Are you dressing up in costume? Are you throwing a party? How do YOU do HALLOWEEN?
Halloween Madness
It is hard to know what to do when you are a teen on Halloween night. You are too old to go trick or treating, though the candy is always nice, and parents may not understand just how you may want your awesomely scary Halloween party to go. Share your Halloween plans - what does Halloween mean to you?
Many teens do not watch the news because they say it is full of "negative and bad stuff" that just brings them down. But what lessons can we take away with us from the inspiring rescue of 33 Chilean Miners?
Chilean Miners' Rescue Earns Respect on a Global Scale
"For the most part, it's not recommended that parents have kids watch news with them because there's so much bad news out there," said child psychologist Dawn Huebner. The trapped miners held onto hope and helped each other survive for more than two months. Everyone involved in the rescue worked hard, never gave up, and got resourceful with how to send down supplies. Families and friends of the miners and the whole world watched, channeling hope and support to the people affected. More on this story
Is texting really an issue when it comes to teens and driving? Is it REALLY that difficult to wait to check for, or send,a text message? Are today's teens addicted to checking their phone?
Teen Driver Menace: Text-Messaging - Studies Show Texting While Driving Is Epidemic Nearly 50 percent of teens admit to text messaging while driving -- an alarming statistic that now rivals driving and drinking in terms of danger and prevalence. When it comes to teen driving, put the danger of text-messaging while driving right up there with drunken driving as Public Enemies No. 1 on the nation's roads. According to SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), instant and text messaging while driving leads the list as the biggest distraction while driving. Share your opinion
What made Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi jump off of a bridge to his death? Was it to escape utter panic and humiliation after his roommate, Dharun Ravi, 18, allegedly set up spy cameras in his dorm room distributed over the social networking site Twitter as a prank? What is your opinion on this senseless tragedy?
Stop Bullying: Speak Up
Rutgers University held an emotional vigil Sunday evening as the campus grapples with the suicide of a student whose personal relationship with another man was broadcast online. In a letter to the Rutgers community, President of the University, Richard McCormick, praised what he called the school's "strong history of social activism on behalf of diversity," but acknowledged that the university "is an imperfect institution in an imperfect society." The letter comes a day after the body of 18-year-old Tyler Clementi was recovered from the Hudson River -- more than a week after he jumped from the George Washington Bridge, which spans the river between New York and New Jersey. More on this story. Share your opinion
Look for more on this story on our LGBTQ Teens Page, as well as under our Bullying and Health sections.
So, the new version of Twitter.com is upon us — well, some of us anyway (it’s in the process of a gradual roll-out right now that will likely last over the next couple of weeks).But is Twitter trying too much to be like Facebook? Or are you just sick and tired of all these updates and having to relearn applications?
Twitter Makes Some Changes - and They May Take Some Getting Used To
A massive Twitter redesign (adds photo and video features as well as continuous updates, seals partnerships with 16 different companies — including Flickr, Vimeo and YouTube, as well as DIY craft site Etsy and the microloan site Kiva — and arguably makes the user experience more like Facebook. This is the single biggest change they’ve ever made to the site since its initial launch. That’s going to rub some people the wrong way, but overall, the initial impression is that this is definitely an upgrade in pretty much every way. But it’s also going to take some getting used to — and some learning. Find out more about the new changes!
Bieber Fever is everywhere, but for how long? Do you think this trend will end, puberty change his voice, or that the public will tire of this pop youth?
Justin Bieber: Teen Idol 2.0 or Just Another Trend??
A lot of people are baffled by how the Internet managed to turn unknown teenage Justin Bieber into a media phenomena. His face is everywhere, he clogs Twitter, and now he is about to make his real-deal acting debut on the season premiere of CBS series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.He will play Jason McCann, "a troubled teen who is faced with a terrible decision regarding his only brother--a decision that leads him into an explosive confrontation with the CSIs. It is the beginning of an explosive story that will conclude later in the season," according to the CBS press release.
From nukes to shredded golf balls and tires, everyone seems to have an opinion on how to stop the oil wreaking havoc along the Gulf Coast. How do you think it would best be stopped, and who do you think should be responsible for the clean up?
The Oil Spill: Teens Have Ideas Too.
The major oil spill began an explosion and fire on April 20 on a drilling rig, owned by Transocean Ltd, and leased by the big-time oil company BP. The explosion alone killed 11 people, however the oil is still, to this day, affecting people by the millions. Since the explosion, oil has been blowing out of an undersea well at about 210,000 gallons per day. Each day new animals are found dead, each day more and more people lose jobs that they depended on, each day the water becomes more polluted. The Gulf Coast is in a very serious situation, but what is BP trying to do to solve it? BP is accepting solutions from the public, and have even put some into place, but which ones?How you can help!
At this year's Movie Awards there was an awful lot of swearing, some of which slipped by censors, and few other surprises. It has people wondering: has this awards show lost all cultural and commercial relevance?
MTV apologizes for Movie Awards swearing
"MTV has issued an apology in response to criticism that the network's annual Movie Awards were wall-to-wall profanity on Sunday night. One review clocked more than 100 curse words in the 122-minute telecast: some of which were NOT caught by the sensors.... For all the unabashed marketing, the MTV Movie Awards do frequent swearing." read more
The newest and fourth installment of the 'Twilight' franchise is opening in theaters, but is the story promoting domestic violence?
Twilight and Abusive Relationships
by Taylor Poro; volanteonline.com "The books run the risk of desensitizing a generation of readers to abuse. Bella, the book’s heroine, is subjected to a litany of abuses and not only accepts it, but finds it romantic. Her love interest, Edward, stalks her, watches her sleep and controls every moment of her life." read full article
Interesting neurobiological model to account for the risky behaviors and poor decisions that plague adolescence.
"My Limbic System Made Me Do It"
posted 05/04/2010
"To understand the problems of teenage behavior, it is important to look at development over a long period instead of examining cross-sectional "snapshots" of teenage decision-making. Any sensible teenager clearly understands the dangers associated with risky behaviorssuch as impaired driving or unprotected sex." read full article
Sending Provocative Images Over Cell Phones Is All the Rage, but It Can Go All Wrong
'Sexting' Teens Can Go Too Far
by Gigi Stone; posted 03/19/2010 "The dangerous combination of teenagers behaving provocatively and impulsively is not new, but the accessibility to the technology is. With cell phone cameras, they have been handed a tool so easy to use for some it's impossible to pass up."read full article
Currently the limelight is on this growing phenomenon of teens staying out late: is this really the way to rebel?
"Concern Over Teenagers Hanging Out Late At Night"
by Hariati Axixan and Wong Pek Mei; posted 05/02/2010 "Studies reveals that staying out late at night is the top activity disapproved of by parents that teenagers love to indulge in. Parents, educators and activists are concerned that many teens are disobeying their parents by hanging out with friends all night." read full article
Share your opinion Weigh in on the discussion by checking out the Discussion Tab above, or clicking on the link in the article. Past Hot Topic issue discussions are also located in the Discussion Tab above.
Keep up to date on the latest news and stay in the intergalactic loop. Check for these topics and more in our discussion forum. And if you have found something HOT in the news that needs discussing, email the story to alienlounge@kidthrive.org and we'll get right on it.
What is our fascination with Reality Television? Especially with, 'The Jersey Shore'?'Jersey Shore' premiere highest rated for MTV
The third season premiere of the MTV reality show "Jersey Shore" garnered more than 8 million viewers.The episode was the most watched series telecast in the cable network's history, MTV announced Friday. According to the network, 8.45 million total viewers tuned in to the show.Join the discussion
Teen's top New Year's Resolution include #1. Getting Healthier and, #2. Get Happier, and #3. Be a Better Person? What do you think this says about today's teens?Are the teens of 2011 more enlightened?
While most people make resolutions to find love, lose weight, or get organized, the teens of 2011 are making resolutions like, "Being a better Friend", "A Better Role Model", and "Giving Back to their Community". more insightful resolutions
Share your opinion
Snooki will have a ball this New Year's Eve on MTV
The Jersey Shore star (real name: Nicole Polizzi) will be placed inside a ball that will drop in New York City's Time Square as the click ticks down to midnight. The other cast members of the hit reality show, Jersey Shore, will lead the crowd in fist pumping to attempt to break a Guinness world record.Share your opinion
Beyoncé turns up the Heat a little too much as racy perfume ad is banned from daytime TV
A perfume commercial featuring Beyoncé has been banned from daytime TV amid concerns over its sexual imagery. The commercial, which begins with an image of the singer lying naked in a room, has been deemed ‘too sexually provocative’ to be seen by young children and will not be shown on TV before 7.30pm. In fact, the idea of "selling sex" is on the rise.Join the discussion
Are the Jonas Brothers on the Outs?
Over the past year and a half the Jonas Brothers have slowly been slipping into obscurity. On Monday night it was another round of bad news for Kevin, Joe and Nick when Disney Channel confirmed they have canceled Jonas L.A. How did these three guys from New Jersey lose the interest of their worldwide fanbase? Was it the music? A little, in reality the guys haven’t had any radio success since Burnin’ Up hit the airwaves in 2008 and solidified them as a household name. In addition to that, Disney Channel and Radio Disney has overexposed them. But that still isn’t the real reason fans soured: It is the fact that their romances that have gone sour one after another… including Amanda Michalka, Demi Lovato, Malese Jow, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, and Zoe Myers to name a few.Share your opinion
With Halloween just around the corner, what are your plans? Are you dressing up in costume? Are you throwing a party? How do YOU do HALLOWEEN?
Halloween Madness
It is hard to know what to do when you are a teen on Halloween night. You are too old to go trick or treating, though the candy is always nice, and parents may not understand just how you may want your awesomely scary Halloween party to go. Share your Halloween plans - what does Halloween mean to you?Share your story
Many teens do not watch the news because they say it is full of "negative and bad stuff" that just brings them down. But what lessons can we take away with us from the inspiring rescue of 33 Chilean Miners?
Chilean Miners' Rescue Earns Respect on a Global Scale
"For the most part, it's not recommended that parents have kids watch news with them because there's so much bad news out there," said child psychologist Dawn Huebner. The trapped miners held onto hope and helped each other survive for more than two months. Everyone involved in the rescue worked hard, never gave up, and got resourceful with how to send down supplies. Families and friends of the miners and the whole world watched, channeling hope and support to the people affected. More on this storyShare your opinion
Is texting really an issue when it comes to teens and driving? Is it REALLY that difficult to wait to check for, or send,a text message? Are today's teens addicted to checking their phone?
Share your opinion
What made Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi jump off of a bridge to his death? Was it to escape utter panic and humiliation after his roommate, Dharun Ravi, 18, allegedly set up spy cameras in his dorm room distributed over the social networking site Twitter as a prank? What is your opinion on this senseless tragedy?
Stop Bullying: Speak Up
Rutgers University held an emotional vigil Sunday evening as the campus grapples with the suicide of a student whose personal relationship with another man was broadcast online. In a letter to the Rutgers community, President of the University, Richard McCormick, praised what he called the school's "strong history of social activism on behalf of diversity," but acknowledged that the university "is an imperfect institution in an imperfect society." The letter comes a day after the body of 18-year-old Tyler Clementi was recovered from the Hudson River -- more than a week after he jumped from the George Washington Bridge, which spans the river between New York and New Jersey. More on this story.Share your opinion
Look for more on this story on our LGBTQ Teens Page, as well as under our Bullying and Health sections.
So, the new version of Twitter.com is upon us — well, some of us anyway (it’s in the process of a gradual roll-out right now that will likely last over the next couple of weeks).But is Twitter trying too much to be like Facebook? Or are you just sick and tired of all these updates and having to relearn applications?
A massive Twitter redesign (adds photo and video features as well as continuous updates, seals partnerships with 16 different companies — including Flickr, Vimeo and YouTube, as well as DIY craft site Etsy and the microloan site Kiva — and arguably makes the user experience more like Facebook. This is the single biggest change they’ve ever made to the site since its initial launch. That’s going to rub some people the wrong way, but overall, the initial impression is that this is definitely an upgrade in pretty much every way. But it’s also going to take some getting used to — and some learning. Find out more about the new changes!
Share your opinion
Bieber Fever is everywhere, but for how long? Do you think this trend will end, puberty change his voice, or that the public will tire of this pop youth?
Justin Bieber: Teen Idol 2.0 or Just Another Trend??
A lot of people are baffled by how the Internet managed to turn unknown teenage Justin Bieber into a media phenomena. His face is everywhere, he clogs Twitter, and now he is about to make his real-deal acting debut on the season premiere of CBS series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.He will play Jason McCann, "a troubled teen who is faced with a terrible decision regarding his only brother--a decision that leads him into an explosive confrontation with the CSIs. It is the beginning of an explosive story that will conclude later in the season," according to the CBS press release.
Share your opinionFrom nukes to shredded golf balls and tires, everyone seems to have an opinion on how to stop the oil wreaking havoc along the Gulf
Coast. How do you think it would best be stopped, and who do you think should be responsible for the clean up?
The major oil spill began an explosion and fire on April 20 on a drilling rig, owned by Transocean Ltd, and leased by the big-time oil company BP. The explosion alone killed 11 people, however the oil is still, to this day, affecting people by the millions. Since the explosion, oil has been blowing out of an undersea well at about 210,000 gallons per day. Each day new animals are found dead, each day more and more people lose jobs that they depended on, each day the water becomes more polluted. The Gulf Coast is in a very serious situation, but what is BP trying to do to solve it? BP is accepting solutions from the public, and have even put some into place, but which ones? How you can help!
Share your opinion
At this year's Movie Awards there was an awful lot of swearing, some of which slipped by censors, and few other surprises. It has people wondering: has this awards show lost all cultural and commercial relevance?
MTV apologizes for Movie Awards swearing
"MTV has issued an apology in response to criticism that the network's annual Movie Awards were wall-to-wall profanity on Sunday night. One review clocked more than 100 curse words in the 122-minute telecast: some of which were NOT caught by the sensors.... For all the unabashed marketing, the MTV Movie Awards do frequent swearing." read moreShare your opinion
The newest and fourth installment of the 'Twilight' franchise is opening in theaters, but is the story promoting domestic violence?
Twilight and Abusive Relationships
by Taylor Poro; volanteonline.com"The books run the risk of desensitizing a generation of readers to abuse. Bella, the book’s heroine, is subjected to a litany of abuses and not only accepts it, but finds it romantic. Her love interest, Edward, stalks her, watches her sleep and controls every moment of her life." read full article
Share your opinion
Interesting neurobiological model to account for the risky behaviors and poor decisions that plague adolescence.
"My Limbic System Made Me Do It"
posted 05/04/2010"To understand the problems of teenage behavior, it is important to look at development over a long period instead of examining cross-sectional "snapshots" of teenage decision-making. Any sensible teenager clearly understands the dangers associated with risky behaviors such as impaired driving or unprotected sex." read full article
Share your opinion
Sending Provocative Images Over Cell Phones Is All the Rage, but It Can Go All Wrong
'Sexting' Teens Can Go Too Far
by Gigi Stone; posted 03/19/2010"The dangerous combination of teenagers behaving provocatively and impulsively is not new, but the accessibility to the technology is. With cell phone cameras, they have been handed a tool so easy to use for some it's impossible to pass up." read full article
Share your opinion
Currently the limelight is on this growing phenomenon of teens staying out late: is this really the way to rebel?
"Concern Over Teenagers Hanging Out Late At Night"
by Hariati Axixan and Wong Pek Mei; posted 05/02/2010"Studies reveals that staying out late at night is the top activity disapproved of by parents that teenagers love to indulge in. Parents, educators and activists are concerned that many teens are disobeying their parents by hanging out with friends all night."
read full article
Share your opinion
Weigh in on the discussion by checking out the Discussion Tab above, or clicking on the link in the article. Past Hot Topic issue discussions are also located in the Discussion Tab above.
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